Carnwath Farms Historic Site & Park facts for kids

Carnwath Manor at Carnwath Farms Historic Site & Park

Carnwath Farms Historic Site & Park is a large, nearly 100-acre park in the Town of Wappinger. It's located in Dutchess County, New York, in the United States. This special park used to be a private estate.

Today, Carnwath Farms includes several interesting buildings. You can find the historic Carnwath Manor, which was built in 1850. There's also an old carriage house from 1873 and a cottage built in 1927. The park is also home to the Frances Reese Cultural Center. This center houses the Sports Museum of Dutchess County. You can also visit the Carnwath Chapel and explore many hiking and walking trails.

History of Carnwath Farms

Early Owners and Design

Carnwath was first built in 1850. It was constructed for William Henry and Lydia Willis. Mr. Willis was a retired hardware merchant from New York City. He was also related to the Mesier family from nearby Wappingers Falls.

The main house, Carnwath Manor, was designed in a style called Italianate. This style was popular at the time. The famous architect Andrew Jackson Downing created its original design.

The Barclay Family Era

In 1855, the Willis family sold the estate. It was bought by George Barclay. George was the son of the British consul in New York. A consul is an official who helps citizens of their country living abroad.

George Barclay was also a partner in a business firm. This firm worked as agents for Lloyd's in New York City. Lloyd's is a famous insurance market. George Barclay lived at Carnwath until he passed away on July 28, 1869.

The Rives Family and Changes

George Barclay's daughter, Matilda Antonia, married Francis Robert Rives. Francis was a lawyer from New York City. His father, William Cabell Rives, was a diplomat from Virginia. A diplomat represents their country in other nations.

Francis Rives served as a secretary for the American legation in London. This was during the time Edward Everett was the ambassador. For a while, the road leading to the estate was even named Rives Avenue. Today, it is known as Wheeler Hill Road.

Francis Rives was a member of important social clubs. He made many changes to Carnwath Manor. He also added new buildings to the estate. These included the carriage house, a cow barn, and an ice house. He died at Carnwath on July 16, 1891, at age 69. He is buried in the Wappingers Rural Cemetery.

Reginald Rives and Coaching

Francis's son, Reginald Rives, inherited Carnwath. Reginald was very skilled at coaching horses. He was also the vice-president of the Coaching Club. He had another home in California. However, he often returned east for club events.

In 1894, Reginald's coach won first prize. This was at the Dutchess County Fair horse show. He even competed against John Jacob Astor, a very wealthy man. Reginald was an expert on coach horses. He often judged horse shows.

Later Owners and Public Park

In 1914, Reginald Rives sold Carnwath. The new owner was Isaac Untermyer. He was a famous lawyer of his time. In 1925, the property was sold again. It was bought by the Augustinian Friars. They are a religious group. They called it the Novitiate of Our Mother of the Good Counsel. The friars built the Carnwath Chapel in 1950.

In 1980, the property was sold to Greystone Programs, Inc. Finally, in 1999, the Town of Wappinger bought Carnwath Farms. It became a public park and historic site. In 2005, the Sports Museum of Dutchess County became its first tenant. Carnwath Farms is part of the Wheeler Hill Historic District. However, it is also a special historic site on its own.